Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) has concluded rotational vibration testing of a 74in last stage rotating blade (LSB), which is designed for use in nuclear steam turbines.
Completion of this test marks the conclusion of the development process. The new LSB expands MHPS's portfolio and complements the company’s 54in version.
The newly concluded test employed a full-scale rotor with a 74in LSB operated at nominal rotational speed to verify the vibratory characteristics of the blades.
Carried out by MHPS's high-speed balance testing facility, the test proved that the LSB achieves its planned vibratory characteristics and can be operated safely.
Steam turbines equipped with 74in LSB can be deployed at 1,200MW class nuclear power plants and larger nuclear plants exceeding 1,500MW capacity.
When configured in a 1,200MW class plant, the LSB is capable of producing more power than the 54in version turbine due to its longer blade length.
Depending upon the location of the plant, users of the 74in LSB can reduce the number of turbine casings from three to two units, saving space and creating simpler plant designs.
